Chemical Used for Rubber, Plastics Is Too Risky, EPA Finds (1)

The EPA has concluded there’s too much potential for 1,3-butadiene to injure workers’ health, so its uses will need to be restricted.

The Environmental Protection Agency released Wednesday its final risk evaluation for 1,3-butadiene, a carcinogenic chemical used to make tires, plastics, adhesives, lubricants, and other products.

Companies including Exxon Mobil Corp., Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Koch Industries Inc., Shell Chemical LP, and a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Inc. made or imported between 1 billion and 5 billion pounds of 1,3-butadiene in 2019, the most recent year for which the EPA has publicly released ...